What happens when blower motor capacitor goes bad?
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What happens when blower motor capacitor goes bad?
A faulty capacitor might cause the furnace to become too hot internally, tripping a safety switch. If that happens, expect the furnace to shut down temporarily. If the blower runs slowly or becomes hotter than expected, it’s letting you know the capacitor is not holding its charge.
How do I know if my blower motor capacitor is bad?
Signs & Symptoms of a Bad Capacitor on a Gas Furnace Blower
- Humming Sounds. The humming sounds created by the blower are indications that the capacitor has electrical problems.
- No Power. A bad capacitor prevents the blower from functioning completely.
- Erratic Motor Operation.
How do I know if my furnace capacitor is bad?
Open the access panel to the furnace and listen for a relatively loud humming noise. If you hear that sound and it doesn’t stop, there’s an electrical difficulty. If you hear a “clicking” sound when the capacitor kicks in, that’s a problem too.
What does the capacitor on a furnace blower do?
Capacitors are a part of the fan motor in your furnace. They provide a steady supply of electricity to the fan motors (used to help the blowers move hot air through your system). Obviously, both types of capacitor need to be running smoothly in order for your furnace to function.
How long does furnace capacitor last?
between 10 and 20 years
Modern furnaces have capacitors that are designed to last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. However, a variety of factors may decrease the lifespan of a capacitor, such as: Prolonged heat exposure: if a capacitor is exposed to heat for a long period of time, it may become susceptible to damage.
How do you test a furnace blower motor capacitor?
Open the access panel to the furnace using a screwdriver. Lean close to the housing of the furnace blower, and listen for a loud humming sound. This is a sign of an electrical problem with the capacitor. If the humming does not stop, the capacitor should be tested.
What happens when a capacitor goes bad?
A bad capacitor prevents the exterior unit from properly functioning, which hinders the cooling process as a whole. Second, improper voltage delivery to exterior unit components forces the system to work harder as it attempts to perform its job. Additional components often sustain damage due to a faulty capacitor.
What does a bad capacitor do?
How much does it cost to replace a furnace capacitor?
The average HVAC capacitor cost is around $170. Prices generally range between $120 and $250, including professional installation. Branded units are more expensive, costing upwards of $400 or more. The price you pay depends on the brand, model, voltage and the labor required for installation.